For NJYS Cup it's crazy that MF or Marlboro will be out but either NJ Force or Boca will be in Semi's. Decent teams, but not in same league as any combination of the other three that will make it to the semi's. Guess it means either Marlboro or MF should pretty easily be in the final and the other three have to fight for the other spot in the Championship game. SSC got screwed too back in the first round. Not saying who is better, SSC or MF, but really? Having them play in the first round is pretty stupid. Yes we can all read gotsoccer rankings for whatever that's worth, but in no order best teams in the state are SSC, Marlton, MF, Marlboro, STA, and SDFC. Not Boca or NJ Force. Good luck everyone.

9:59 Funny comment on those points and pretty intuitive of you. Also, kind of stupid that all these semi/finals games are on grass fields every year. This always hurts the better soccer teams. Guess there are no turf fields in the whole state of NJ.

To say that anyone has bias refs is childish You are looking for excuses, just go out and be the better team that day and you can go brag at work. Some grass fields are not good but some grass fields are great. Do you complain when you win? Was the turf at Marlton not to your liking? Which is it, make up your mind

Good job Matchfit. To be honest Marlboro had the better of the play in the first half. Matchfit scored 15 into the second half and a quick pk made it 2-0. Marlboro then went with 3 defenseman and it was easy pickings. No repeat for Marlboro.

Marlton in both semifinals, great team run so far. Match fit should destroy boca and await the winner of Marlton vs sdfc, should be a great last two games. In the other Marlton vs Marlboro is always close and ssc vs sta should be another great two games good luck to all.

No, you see you don't get it in Holmdel/NJX land. When they think about entering the State Cup, that alone counts for a first round victory. Then if they get a bye, you guessed it, they are into the round of 16. Now here is where it gets good. If they actually win one game, they fast forward to the quarterfinals. Another result and they declare semi-final status. And if they so much as play in the semi-final, you guessed it....We're State Cup Champions!!!!! That's how they have now 3 State Championships. It's the new way to the top. And they have it perfected.

9:40 post is funny and accurate. Previous posts (having to be from a Holmdel person) talk above this HolmdelNJX team winning State titles but they have not won any. Not even a finalist. There was a former Holmdel team in the age group that won those events. This team also writes posts including their name in with other "top" teams as if to be included among them. Only difference is that the other teams mentioned have actually won something like SC or big events. Holmdel has won stugats.

SSC did not win State Cup last year and the regional tournament that they entered was open to any team to enter if they payed the tournament entry fee. have to agree with previous post that it is a pay to play event.

Njys state cup you also have to pay to play, you still have to win. Just like the us club regional tournament. teams attended last year regional tourney Pda,sta,yms,hota,Ssc etc you still had to win to advance. Let's give credit to SSC they won the US Club national championship.

SSC parent needs to shut their mouth and let their kid play. In 2 weeks we will see who is talking, after that if SSC wins they can talk all they want. All this trash talk doesn't mean anything if you don't win it all. Anything can happen in championship weekend, for example Marlboro winning both cups last year (no disrespect to them they disserved it ) but nobody expected that, everyone thought SSC or SDFC would have one and they didn't. All I'm going to say is wait to talk all this trash, you never know what will happen on both of these crazy weekends.

Dopes, all of you. SSC, SDFC or any of the other top teams play in top tournaments against the best the nation can offer. Can your team say this? Keep playing in the 4th flight of EDP local tournaments, it will get you nowhere. Being able to play the top 20 nationally ranked team is an honor and those that do have earned it.

Holmdel loses 6-0 to SDFC. What happened? Did they go to the bench again too early? Or were they told to just play possession and not shoot the ball?Blowing a 3-1 lead with 4 minutes to go and then getting waxed 6-0 tells you everything you need to know about this group.

7:38, cut back on the coffee. Holmdel is not a top tier team, just working to get there and getting closer every day. If beating on them in this forum makes your day then you are the one with the issues.

Agree that Holmdel is not a top team. The only way you'd know if they are "working" on getting there is if you are on the team. If you are on the team then you know that they have worked on padding their roster with more players (more money) after losing many of their better players. These players left because they concluded that as you stated, Holmdel is not a top team AND they are in fact not working on it.

Holmdel processes money and player cards. They beat no one. They choke in big games. Thems the facts.

Many. Any. Words. Look at numbers. Many have left the team. As many as 10. Those who came are serial soccer travelers who defaulted to Holmdel (and Holmdel is happy to process the check.) There are at least 8 current parents who spend a lot of time voicing their unhappiness or the "where else can I go" comment.That's not the mark of a solid group. And the on field play is likewise weak.

The reality is that Holmdel is a notch below. Simple as that! That doesnt make them a bad team, in fact to even be mentioned in the same sentence as the top teams is quite an accomplishment. Holmdel has players that can play for YOUR team and some that cant. That is the difference. Some of their contributers are hard workers but not that great, some of their better players are really pretty damn good. Add a defense to Holmdel and you will see a difference.

Your entitled to express your opinion on a blog site but when you say something try to have some facts to back it up otherwise your not Contributing anything of worth. Merely blowing smoke no breathe of fresh air.

Add a defense??

vs SDFC 1 cb was playing in his first weekend of games in 3 weeks. 1 cb Tried but was unable to play at a high level due to quad strain. 1 cb down with serious knee injury. Left back suffering ligament strain in ankle. 1 Cm didn't play. Other cm forced back to cb.

That leaves many gaps in a teams structure and shape when players are slotted around in uncomfortable/unfamiliar roles. Not to mention playing a team like SDFC in a state cup game....please tell me how much better your team would have faired in the same position.

It's no excuse. we lost to a very good team. But to say we were laboriing is an understatement. And to say we are weak is laughable.

This weekend's games will be interesting. A game between two great teams in STA and SSC will be close, and the Marlboro Marlton rivalry should come down to the wire. Any combination of winners will make a competitive final. Exciting week of soccer all around.

You wouldnt call SSC a great team? I would love to see your definition of great when it comes to youth soccer. There are really only 4 maybe 5 teams in the entire state that could beat them, so what are you talking about.

Lets cut the BS here. My son plays for one of the top 3 teams and its a lot of fun saying who is best in NJ. The truth is that most boys would be happy and lucky to play for in no order MF/SSC/SDFC to play or any of the teams. They are the clear top three and will continue to be. Any team can beat the other any day and why it is so exciting. So let's call a spade a spade and stop bashing the top three. I would say that Marlton, Marlboro and STA are very close but just a small notch behind. All six teams represent NJ well. So if you son is not part of the top he needs to get better to make it. Nuff said!

We are spoiled here in NJ. We have a number of teams that can compete on a National level. Instead of just feeling good about that some feel the need to tear each other down. Enjoy it folks, it's all over in a couple of years!

4:09You sound so arrogant and full of yourself. Not everybody wants to be on one of those teams for many different reasons.What about teams in academy league? Red Bulls, PDA, Philly Union? there is ASL League.You live in a bubble. What is the grand prize? These are your glory days and you're living through your son.

4:09"So if you son is not part of the top he needs to get better to make it. Nuff said!"Funny you say that, so I guess all kids playing academy are better then the top. So why don't you work with your kid so he can get better and play with the above the top players.

By Match Fit's own admission, they took a step down by leaving Academy league.SO how can they be one of the top 3 teams in NJ? Red Bulls, NJCSA, and PDA are all above them. Match Fit was never at the top of academy league. Anyway, why do you want to act so childish and try to rub it in that my team's better than yours? At the end of the day, what are you getting?

4:09 does sound a bit pompous. All of the MLS academy teams, RBs, Philly U, DC United, etc. are better teams than the best club teams. That doesn't mean they can't be beaten by some of the teams but in a series they would win fairly handily. They should be better, far more resources and they are even bringing in international kids. Not saying some of the kids playing club can't make those teams. The MLS system is there to identify a very few kids that may have national team ability and they are going to start trying to find them younger and younger. This is the reason why they are accepting clubs at U14 level only. U16 is too late in their mind to find those special kids. In Europe you are an old man at 16. It's what Klinsman and US Soccer wants. Doesn't mean our kids can't have great careers in college and a few to the MLS if that's what they want to do.

This is 4:09. My son has an open invite from RB and the Union. We choose not to play at either academy because education is the number one priority in our family. My son has top notch grades and does not want to play professional soccer. Therefore there is no reason to play academy soccer. We want him to play high level soccer and focus on college as my other children did. This is not my first rodeo.

Most of you idiots have a distorted dream that your sons have a chance to play professional and can not even make academy.

The best part for me is that my son is denying what you guys want most.

Last time I checked winning 5 cup games straight and 2 of them being match fit and Marlboro isn't luck. SSC will be a good team and it will be a great game but win or lose Marlton should be where they are

6:24 wow, what a sore loser. And to collectively think that we all thought you guys had more class. You are single handiidly embarrassing Marlboro as a team. A shame because you guys are good. Guess that loose ball in front of the net magically got down there too. Both teams are pretty evenly matched and it is always a slug fest. Both teams coached well and with passionate players. Guess it's also luck we are in the semi next week too. Not making any predictions about any games, but really?

I saw both games as they were next to each other. Both were excellent games. Both could have had a different winner. Both winners deserved to move on. To see those 4 teams represent the final four in nj was great to see. Add in MF and SDFC and you will see that nj is in great shape. Good luck to ssc and Marlton tomorrow

9:25. Not sure what you mean by paper champion but they won 2 state cups. Played in the semis today and are a top regional team. Have beaten every top team in the past 2 years. SDFC, ssc, MF, Marlton, etc. I would say that is pretty darn good. You can continue to be bitter and envious all you want. The top teams know who they are and all show respect for each other with the exception of SSC who think they are above all.

As a poster above mentioned NJ is well represented in this age group and each of the elite teams brings something different to the table: SDFC has done the best at prestigious out of state tournaments, SSC has been the most consistent team since U 11 and their 7th trip to either state cup final today proves it, Marlboro hardly a paper champion as their double last year was no fluke and they continue to play well, Matchfit brings some much needed academy swagger to the age group, Marlton is the most improved team as their commitment to professional training has changed their once one dimensional style to more well rounded play, and STA Gunners prove the old saying " on any given day " as they always play the big boys tough. So congrats to all!!!

Hey 4:09. No one has an open invite to RB and or Union. That's a nice way of saying your son can train with them but not good enough to be signed. That is why you bounce from team to team etc. Bet your son can't even stay on one HS team ?

You guys are hard up just don't believe that other boys are simply better than your son. There are many boys that can play academy and choose not to. The earlier post is correct that education in more important then club, HS or academy soccer.

8:00No one is saying that education is not important, there are a lot of kids that play academy, get good grades and attend tough high schools. Come on now, everyone knows that the RB and Philly, can almost guarantee you getting to the school that you want specially if you have the grades. RB has a couple of players in Georgetown at the moment and that is a really prestigious school.

Finals yesterday was a great game, marlton scored 1st via a penalty kick. SSC scored before the half ended also with a penalty kick.. SSC came out strong 2nd half and was able to score a Goal in the first 10 minutes. It was some good soccer played by both teams. Congrats to both teams.

8:00 this is my first post in many months. Yes RB and Union can be used as a tool to get into college. That's the sales pitch of the Academy's in NJ. My older son played for the RB academy for 4 years and now attends Georgetown himself. In no way did the Academy soccer influence the the schools decision. His grades, SAT and ACT were the influencers for the school. He will be a senior next year and plays as a starter on the school team. This is the reason I influenced my younger son to play top shelf club soccer. There is no need unless you son desires to play for the MLS.

What is so unbelievable about one of these players being able to play at the academy level. My son has done both and you might be surprised at the number of club players that could play academy. NOT that big of a difference. I am sure many of you know players on PDA that are no better and in most cases worse than MANY players you see on the club circuit. Now to say that RB and Philly are waiting for you to come is a stretch but who knows.

Why would "education is our priority" be a reason not to play academy? You can be a great student and a great player at the same time. Most academy players end up playing college soccer and it could help you get into a great college.And if you play for RB or Union, everything is free, even uniforms and travel expenses.

A lot of club players play in college too. Don't have to be in academy to have soccer help you to get into a school. What if you don't live that close to the academy? You ready to take an hour plus drive each way 4 nights a week for practice? There are different ways to go about playing college soccer. Good grades are a great start.

1:52, why? What are you trying to prove? Thank god the 2014 State Champions didnt win this year! For that matter I am so happy that the 2011 State champs didnt make it far. Do you realize how stupid you sound? Stronghold won, but what will others be saying in a week, I am so happy that Stronghold didnt win another state cup?

1:54 is just a jealous bitter person. Seems he/she does not know how hard it is to win a state cup. You need a good team, good schedule, good breaks and all has to go just right. 1:54 there are some teams that have won multiple state cups and that is even a greater achievement. Congrats to all the past winners, SSC and the 4 teams competing this weekend.

You mean keep 8 kids in the box and kick the ball down the field in hopes that a defender will fall down and one of the forwards can score? That tactic? Although they are not the only team to employ that tactic.

You guys are all idiots. None of the top teams play like that. They all move the ball and play the game the way it is supposed to be played. Some players hold the ball too much but every team has them.

Which is what SDFC thought last year too. That worked out well for them as they didn't even make the finals. Is SDFC a good team, yes. Just know there are 6 top teams that can win any day. MarltonSDFCMFSacMarlboroSta

8:11 is a fire starter. This is not coming from a SDFC parent like he/she would like you all to believe. This is more than likely a parent from a team that will not be playing this weekend. No need for anyone to get excited. A reaction is exactly what this person is looking for. Good luck to MF, BOCA, SDFC & Marlton this weekend. All are quality teams and the games will be competitive.

Rankings Rankings Rankings. Those that make their decisions on them 100% are missing the boat. Is SDFC the best team in NJ? On any given day they are. On any given day they can lose too, just like any other top team.

To the BOCA poster, they got this far by beating bad to mid level teams. Yes I know you have to beat who you play but lets be honest, they have NO chance.

So far Matchfit, Stronghold, SDFC, Marlboro have all been called arrogant. If STA or Marlton is to win a state championship my guess is they too will be called arrogant. Soooooo, I suppose all top teams are arrogant in your book? Personally, I enjoy watching all of these teams play, I might even throw Holmdel in there because they play well but lack the big guns. You want to watch a team that cant play soccer at all, go watch a Howell or Flemington game then you will know .

11:49When 75% of the posts on this blogare from teams boasting about how great they are, I call that arrogance. Match fit, SSC and SDFC. I don't think the rest of us want to hear how wonderful you are.

1:01 I disagree to a point. Half the posts are bragging while the other half are posers trying to make them look bad. The question is why is someone trying to make them look bad? I dont see anyone trying to make MT Olive look bad, because no one is jealous of them. Yes, people are jealous and if given the chance they would play on one of the power 6 teams. The top teams know this because they field the phone calls and emails weekly from players that want to see if they have an opening for them. Playing on these teams allows for additional exposure that you just will not get at NJ Force for example. They are a decent team but they play in the 4th and 5th flights of tournaments. Just realize that there are some stupid parents on each team but jealousy rules the roost.

MF still has to prove itself. This MF team was not one of the top teams in the Academy league last year. This is a new MF team, a combination of 2 former MF teams. Time will tell of your opinion holds true.

Penn Fusion is a better candidate for Elite team status. Consistently performs and can compete at the regional and National level.

MF is an excellent team. My sons team played them both Penn Fusion and MF. No difference in talent. Both full of very technical players. Winning is really not everything, consistent performance is. A team can lose by playing well too.

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